MTN Golden Lions up against Blue Bulls' winning play-off culture |
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April 28 - The Blue Bulls have selected a strong side and they have a culture of performing well in play-offs. That is MTN Golden Lions coach Nico Serfontein’s careful comment on the Vodacom Cup quarter-final against the neighbouring union and defending champions at Wits University on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).
Serfontein, who coached the Blue Bulls to numerous titles in the Vodacom Cup and national Under-21 competitions before moving to the GLRU this season, is confident that the Lions can progress to the semi-finals next weekend. “But it won’t be easy,” he says. “I know most of the Blue Bulls players and it’s a very good side.
“They will be up for their game,” he said of the side that sneaked into the quarters. They’re young and come from a tradition of winning play-offs. They will be focused and will play the basic game the Blue Bulls and Bulls are known for.
“From our side, we aim to keep our mistakes to a minimum and to put pressure on them. We’ll try and break their pattern with pressure,” said Serfontein.
He says there is a great buzz in the Lions camp. “We’ve been through a great programme this season with (Super Rugby coach) John Mitchell and the coaching team and we’re confident.
“However, winning our section is not enough. We have unfinished business. What is important, though, is that we channel our excitement, our positive attitude, correctly.”
Serfontein is especially wary of the Blue Bulls loose trio, where CJ Stander, Marnus Schoeman and Okkie Kruger will pose a major threat. To subdue their effectiveness, the Lions tight five will have to be at their very best – and mistakes, as Serfontein said, will have to be minimised.
The Blue Bulls will be captained by the experienced and talented Juandre kruger – and with Fudge Mabeta as his partner, the Blue Bulls will be well served in the lineouts.
The return of the Blue Bulls midfielder, Stefan Watermeyer will also help his side considerably in their efforts to retain the title.
Morné Mellett, who just returned with the Vodacom Bulls from Australasia, will play at loose head. Three members of the Tuks Varsity Cup side, Wesley Dunlop, Jono Ross and Hayden Groepes have also being included in the group.
The Blue Bulls team is:
Clayton Blommetjies, Sampie Mastriet, Stefan Watermeyer, Francois Venter, Hayden Groepes, Marnitz Boshoff, Ruan Snyman, CJ Stander, Marnus Schoeman, Okkie Kruger, Juandre Kruger (capt.), Mthunzi Mabeta, Stephanus Pretorius, Zane Botha, Morné Mallett. Replacements: Henri Bantjes, Corné Fourie, Cornell Hess, Jono Ross, Dustin Jinka, Wesley Dunlop, Bradley Moolman.
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